Ekanite (EK-ah-nite) is a complex metamict calcium thorium
silicate with the formula (Th,U) (Ca,Fe,Pb)2Si8O20.
It was named after F.L.D. Ekanayake, a gem dealer in Colombo,
Ceylon, who discovered it in 1953. Mr. Ekanayake bought two
dark-green faceted stones on the market in Colombo because they
looked unlike any gem with which he was familiar. Tests he performed
indicated glass, but inclusions in the stone indicated otherwise.

One specimen later examined by British scientists proved to
contain calcium, lead, thorium and silicon. The species, however,
was not properly identified until 1961. All samples tested have been
highly radioactive, and it is apparent that ekanite is a metamint
mineral similar to green, low property zircon, but one in which
structural breakdown has been more complete than in zircon. Ekanite
is now amorphous, but inclusions indicate that it was once
tetragonal. A few pieces found in Ceylon have exhibited a four rayed
star.